Interview with Alexis Rufus, 5 Times World Champion,

Alexis Rufus

Alexis Rufus is the current WMC MAD, WPMF, ISKA, IKF & WKA World Champion, WMC & ISKA European Champion, UKMF British & English Champion and ISKA Female Fighter of the Year 2011

BKO Kung Fu: What is your training day schedule like when you are preparing for a fight?

Alexis: I train 6 days a week, Sundays rest day. We normally split my training sessions into two, doing my run and weights or circuit (strength & conditioning) training in the morning and then a pads and clinch session in the afternoon. I will do sprints and weights 2 or 3 times a week, and then longer runs (8-10km) on the other days. In the last week of training before the fight I would just stick to longer runs and no sprints or weights. Pad work I do every day, I will do clinch work 3 or 4 times a week and sparring at least 2 or 3 times a week. I try and fit in my shadow boxing too which I think is essential to any fighter. So overall I would train between 3 and 4 hours a day.

Alexis Rufus: Training Video

BKO: People often overlook the mental toughness for a fight. How does one program themselves with a mindset of a champion?

Alexis: Mental toughness should never be overlooked. It is often more important than physical toughness. If you allow any doubt into your mind, it could cost you the fight. I believe that 80% of the fight is won through mental strength and dominance over an opponent. If the mind is strong, the physical possibilities are endless. The mind controls the body. I think it is hard to just programme yourself with the mindset of a champion. That comes with experience. But there are certain ways which you can help squash those doubts. Set yourself tough goals and targets. Then when you reach them, go beyond them. Constantly test yourself. Always go the extra bit in training. I always think about what my opponent is doing and could I do more? Fitness is key to confidence, so make sure your fitness is not even a word that enters your mind near the fight. Never get involved in forums or people arguing who is the best fighter etc etc. It can play evil games with your mind. At the end of the day it is only you and your opponent in the ring when the bell goes. Nothing else or no one else matters. 

BKO: What is a common miss conception people in other martial arts have about Muay Thai?

Alexis: There is a misconception that Muay Thai is purely aggressive and that fighters engage in fights outside of the ring, that they are aggressive people. But Muay Thai is so heavily based on respect on all levels. Respect for the trainer. For the opponent. For other fighters. Most of the people I meet and have met through this sport have been so passive and down to earth and not aggressive at all. A true fighter knows how to channel the aggression in the correct way and deliver devastating strikes in the right way at the right time. 

BKO: What changes have you seen in Women's Mauy Thai fighting since you have started? What do you see for the future?

Alexis: Since I started fighting, there are so many more females competing in the sport and training in general. Fighters like Julie Kitchen and Germaine de Randamie have helped change the attitude & opinion people had towards female fighters and gave other girls the confidence to take things to championship level. It has been and always will be a male dominated sport, but I think nowadays it is becoming less intimidating to females and people are actually taking notice of females as serious contenders in the sport. There are so many great female fighters now and so many young ones making their way onto the scene. I can only see carrying on in the same manner. 

BKO: Can you confirm the fight scheduled for December 21, 2013? We see conflicting info online. What are your thoughts about the upcoming fight?

Alexis: I am fighting on 21st December on Smash Muay Thai in Liverpool. My original opponent was Christi Brereton but there were issues with her and the promoter so I heard they pulled her from the show. Tanya Merrett from Wales has now stepped up to take the fight. I don't know a great deal about Tanya, but I do know she is less experienced than me in terms of her fight record. But in my eyes anyone who steps up a level and challenges herself against more experienced opponents should never be taken lightly. I firmly believe that Tanya will come to fight and I am preparing myself for every eventuality. I look forward to meeting her next month. It should be an exciting fight. 

BKO: Are you training anyone to follow in your footsteps to be a professional fighter? if so, tell us about them.

Alexis: I am training a handful of fighters at the moment. We have a number of up and coming fighters at my gym. Two names to take note of are Wayne Ward and Ryan Ward. Two brothers with such natural talent and will to win. I truly believe they will go all the way to the top in this sport. I am also training a great female fighter, Linda Coppard. She is tough and has one of the biggest hearts of any fighter I have had the pleasure to train. So, watch this space!

BKO: What is the weirdest experience you ever had with a fan?

Alexis: Now there's a question!! I have had a few strange experiences. Some strange requests for training sessions and men asking to be hit by a 'strong woman'. Obviously I didn't entertain their fantasies...!

BKO: What has been the greatest adversity you have overcome in life? What advice would you give someone going through a similar experience?

Alexis: The biggest adversity I have ever overcome was battling with anorexia when I was younger. It nearly killed me and the only thing that saved me was my will and choice to live. My mind played all sorts of games with me as it does when you starve yourself of nutrients and somehow I managed to overcome that and get better. My mind made me ill but equally it made me strong again. It has helped me now with my training, my work, everything. I hit rock bottom and survived and I know that I can apply that same attitude to anything in life. To anyone going through a similar experience I would say to them that it's a choice. You can choose to live one way or another. It's one day at a time and if you can get through it then you will be stronger than ever. Like I said earlier, if the mind is strong, the physical possibilities are endless. 

BKO: What is your favorite movie, book, and type of music?

Alexis: My favourite film depends on my mood. But Shawshank Redemption, Apocalypse Now and Thelma & Louise all rank fairly high! I listen to a fairly eclectic range of music, again depending on my mood! But the latest music I downloaded was an Arctic Monkeys album and some Dubstep podcasts! As for books, it's the one thing I never do...read! 

BKO Kung Fu: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

Alexis: The only thing I would like to say is to anyone considering a career similar to mine, don't ever let anyone tell you can't or shouldn't do it. Fighting is an extremely selfish sport, but equally it brings such a diverse group of people together. It is one of the best journey's I have made and I regret none of it. I have learnt a huge amount on both physical and mental levels. I have met some amazing and lifelong friends. 

When someone told me I can't, I just went all out to do it. Those people now admire my tenacity.

BKO: Alexis, thank you for taking the time to share about yourself with us. We look forward to following your career.

Be sure to follow Alexis Rufus on Facebook.